6-34
129390199 Operator Manual Sterilizer Operation
6.14.2 Vacuum
Leak Test
This cycle is used for testing vacuum integrity of sterilizer and piping.
A Vacuum Leak Test cycle should be run on the sterilizer at least
once each week. It should be one of the first cycles run for the day.
In this cycle, the sterilizer automatically checks for vacuum leaks in
piping and door seal. If the sterilizer fails the leak test, it must be
inspected by a qualified service technician. (This test is not a
substitute for a Bowie-Dick test.) The Leak Test can also be used to
confirm that the sterilizer piping is intact after performing repairs.
NOTE: The measured leak rate (bar or inHg per minute) is calculated
by the control over a timed 10-minute period and is included in the
cycle printout. A leak rate of 1.0 mmHg (1.3 mbar) per minute or less
is considered acceptable.
1. Before running Leak Test cycle, refer to S
ECTION 6.1, BEFORE
O
PERATING THE STERILIZER, on PAGE 6-1 (at the beginning of this
section).
NOTE: The sterilizer should be warm before running this test
cycle. If no other cycle has been run on the sterilizer before the
Leak Test, run a Warm-up cycle.
2. Press the right arrow button in the lower right hand corner of the
cycle select screen to access the test cycle screen. The Test
Cycles screen appears on display.
3. To start the Leak Test, press the Leak Test button. Printer
records cycle start. Cycle runs automatically as follows:
NOTE: Cycle requires 30-35 minutes to complete.
LEAK TEST/EVACUATING – Vacuum is drawn until chamber
vacuum level reaches 60 mbar. Printer records temperature and
vacuum at end of evacuation time.
LEAK TEST/STABILIZING – Five-minute stabilization period
begins after 10-minute evacuation is completed.
LEAK TEST – Ten minute Leak Test period begins after five-
minute stabilization is completed. Printer records calculated leak
rate (mm Hg per minute) after 10-minute leak time.
AIR BREAK – Chamber is returned to atmospheric pressure,
complete tone sounds and cycle summary and end of cycle
messages are printed.
RETRACT SEAL – A vacuum is drawn on the seal, retracting it
from inner surface of door.
COMPLETE – Complete tone sounds. Cycle summary and end of
cycle messages are printed.
4. Once the sterilizer completes and passes the leak test, the unit
can be used.
Important: Any indication of a malfunction must be reported to the
supervisor. Sterilizer must not be used again until approved by
supervisor. The cause of the malfunction must be determined and
resolved prior to operating the sterilizer.
WARNING – BURN HAZARD:
• Sterilizer, rack/shelves and
loading equipment will be hot
after cycle is run. Always wear
protective gloves and apron
when removing a processed
load. Protective gloves and
apron must be worn when
reloading sterilizer following
the previous operation.
• Steam may be released from
the chamber when door is
opened. Step back from the
sterilizer each time the door is
opened to minimize contact
with steam vapor.
WARNING – STERILITY
ASSURANCE HAZARD:
According to AAMI standards,
a measured leak rate greater
than 1.0 mm Hg/min (1.3
mbar/min) indicates a problem
with the sterilizer. Refer the
situation to a qualified service
technician before using the
sterilizer further.
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